Mental Health of Carers Hits Headlines Ahead of National Campaign

Submitted by WaMH in PC on Thu, 16/05/2013 - 08:43

The mental health of carers hit the headliners over the weekend after the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) said they should be routinely screened for signs of depression.

RCGP Chairwoman Dr Clare Gerada explained to the BBC how carers were at a very high risk group for both physical and mental health issues during an interview on the BBC News Channel - Carers at high risk of depression, say doctors' leaders.

Following Dr Gerada's interview several viewers contacted the BBC to relate their own experiences of being a carer which at times meant they made difficult decisions regarding their own health - 'I was in tears': Carers tell their stories.

The Guardian website and then Sky News published their own versions of the story which you can read via the following links:

This all hit the media just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week which lasts until Sunday (19 May) with this year's campaign concentrating on the positive effects which physical activity can have on mental well-being

For further information about this year's campaign please visit the Mental Health Foundation website.